Obesity and global warming: A two-way relationship? - 11/06/25
Highlights |
• | Global warming and obesity epidemic are two major health problems that are interconnected. |
• | Climate change, through both global warming and associated pollution, contributes to obesity as well as diverse endocrinopathies. |
• | In return, obesity contribute to global warming by a greater consumption of high-energy food and increased fuel use for transportation, thereby procuring more greenhouse gases. |
• | Adequate strategies should be implemented to tackle both phenomena, by promoting healthy food and physical activity. |
Abstract |
Our modern society has to face several health problems, among which climate change characterized by global warming and increased pollution and obesity epidemic and associated morbidities are prominent ones. Interestingly, several epidemiological studies argue for a closed connection between these two health concerns, in fact pointing out a bidirectional relationship. Global warming and its associated exposure to pollutants could contribute to weight gain through different mechanisms, including some endocrine disorders linked to adipocyte dysfunction (adiposopathy) and reduced thermogenesis, as well as a reluctance to physical activity in a hot ambient temperature. Conversely, obesity epidemic may play a role in global warming by an increased consumption of energetic ultra-processed foods and an enhanced energy waste for transportation, both leading to increased greenhouse gas emission. Thus, there is an urgent need for greater action to slow the process of global warming also to prevent harmful effects on health linked to obesity epidemic.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Adipocyte, Climate, Endocrine disorders, Global warming, Obesity, Pollution
Plan
Vol 86 - N° 3
Article 101783- juin 2025 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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